TRACY — Asking high school students to come to campus on an off-day is right up there with getting them to sign up for voluntary homework assignments and pop quizzes.

But such was the scene on Wednesday at Tracy’s annual Student Leadership Conference, where more than 60 students opted to forgo extra beauty sleep for some advice about their future.

“It’s really impressive that so many students showed up on a rare day off in the middle of the week,” Superintendent Jim Franco said. “But this is a leadership conference and these students are demonstrating they are true leaders.”

The event, which features speakers from a number of professions in the community, is sponsored by the city, school district and the Tracy African-American Association.

“She was amazing,” said Dahlia Hester, 16. “Listening to her speak I wanted to cry, but not in front of everybody.”

Nadia Ahmed, 14, agreed.

“She was so inspiring,” Ahmed said. “That was one of the most motivational speeches I have ever heard.”

Tracy Police Lt. Wade Harper also was among the speakers at the conference.

“My message to the students today is that they have a purpose,” Harper said.

“I reminded them not to let anyone say they cannot do something. I don’t care if you are a minority, if you are poor or if someone is discouraging you from following your dreams. You can do anything, so don’t make excuses.”

Harper added that, “those who are good at making excuses are seldom good at anything else, so aim high.” Student Jason Avila had his sights set high after the event.

“I really learned a lot today. I plan to go into fire fighting, and I was able to ask some really good questions,” he said. “The information was good, so it was definitely worth giving up a day off school.”

Tracy Unified School Board President James Vaughn said he was proud of the students’ participation.

“They have been terrific today. Very engaged and respectful,” he said. “My message to them has been to stay involved. The community has given to them, so after they graduate from college and enter the work force it is important to give back.”

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